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6 . As a sports editor t have also dealt wi :h George
professionally, covering his activities with the Yank>es, the
Tampa horsetrack, which he bought soon after coming h sre, and
his numerous other sports involvements. In his deal! igs with
-Cha .press , _Geprge has always been largely available a id aware
of the value of news. Although George, himself, ofte i provides
much to write about , so far as 1 know, he has never e cploited
the press.
7 . I feel X jtoow all sides of George, I k tow that
he -can, at times, be autocratic and firm and he is no : without
a~ *t'empeT~.— rl—a-lso-tow>w-thafc-ha— is-a n abso lute sap for a sad
i^~»~s.tgiy,;.,._£hi JLdra)n> family., snorts and t he American f lai [ move
- -him:: :uaiike:Titgny-:oi:heirwem-GeoEg&-backa-up_ .his emot : wi th
Gaors®'* charitable contributions are vast and he has
many times gone the extra*B.le"n:o''hSlp“out“'a''wort’hy"c;
8. For example, a few years ago Lou finiel .a, a
former .Ya.Q}cee player and manager who is from Tampa, n tired.
- .^LojtK^todj, j.n f.^^y, ^got his start in baseball from the Boys
Clubs of Tampa. Wall, George threw a big^^id'^aisar
for Lou and had many of the Yankee players attend. F: fty-fiva
thousand dollars v
I raised with which the Boys Club used to
build a much- needed office center and recreation compi ex.
9. And when the Super Bowl was played here in Tampa
several years ago , George threw his full support behii d the NFL
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o
Alumni Club. Ac his own expanse he brought the Marln< Drum and
Bugle Corp. and other entertainment to the HFL Alumni Dinner
which was able to raise $400,000 for charitable cause:
nationally and in this area e.g. USO, Childrens Hone.
10 . Another example of George ' s never endii g
compassion and generosity occurred just lalf itfonth. C eorge and
1 attended the J.C. Fenney mixed team golf toumamant near
here, visiting with the men and women proa, many of wl om he had
hosted at Yankee Stadium. 1 re-introduced him to Chi Chi
Rodriguez and told him of a Rodriquez program underwav In our
ijt^ich abused children a
I day-carad by his foundation.
The children spend their days working d
_.City_pJt £loarwater d^ to tha found
i golf course that the
another course is being built and will serve as a learning
"•place -lor the ^iiruaSawkiTis ..^-^out:.-20- were following^ Ct i Chi at
the time. George immediately said he wanted to help. He
promised that when the Yankees come to the area next t arch to
play the toronto Blue Jays he would host the kids , gi\ e them
Yankee keapsikef~ and* give“the-iduriJafrion-Rts;:3harei;o,f- thfig^a. .
recelpts--about $20,000.
11. George also has a great romance with high school
and college sports and has done much to help them out. George
is one of the few major league ownars that brings his ballclub
to play at dlfferei
: universities during preseasoi
, George has halped many universities raise enough iJoney to
o
o
purchase lights for Che stadium Chat they otherwise w luld not
be able Co do.
12. George has also been very suppdrCive o I local
causes. Here, in Tampa, George formed an organization Chat
provides funds for the widows and orphans of Tampa po ,ice and
firemen killed in the line d£“*ity .
13. Moreover, George's blood is truly red, white and
, blue. He is a total patriot. All anyone has Co do tn know
George's convictions is Co hear him speak. He dwells on
; America Che beautiful and the land of opportunity, oh Che
affe cts of drugs, on poverty and the way to help elim .nate it.
I He. dwells on achievement and Yankee pride. He is a firceful
■ " — --CTe-diy^gft^r:^tte4coaehrwa3rfiTedir-he -f%Eed..Che^-.Ca^ _|p,j#lCh
his speech. I
14. I know of George's prior felony conviction and
his suspension from baseball for two years as a’ resul
co^SS8tt^i^llcr=iKWW'fMlF§edfg»-ldoK=
conviction very hard. I can say with authority, from
experience and from a deep personal friendship, that
the pain and. suffering of the felony would mean more to him
■ gpe. efceg an d wi dely sougtrt. For examplerbe^ft^flT*|^ ^
the Notre Pane football squad. Althougii the'day lia'ibdfce~w88 '
than anything else. I can also say that since he
world, to Tampa, he has been a mighty contributor
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; concerned with publicizing the event, not many people
11. George is extremely generous and thoughtful. In
addition to his vast civic and charitable contributlfl is ,
George's- generosity is ample on a- personal, individual. Idyel.
can~cit5"an“ ixample~tfiat'~6lBcurred just last monthl Hany
years ago when the Cleveland Indians were in their pr Lae -
about l?48 Co 1954 - they had an outstanding, big str »ng
pitcher naaed Mike Garcia. Garcia was someChir^. He weighed
■aB«5ue“2'5'd' 'IBs , had' arms like tree trunks and could th row a fast
ball like no one else.. After a number of years Garcia retired,
-trisd'“Kia lUi'cR wieh i“dty'gddd's“busine'ss’and feii upo i hard
“*€imea’. ‘ i.iarcx a '''t ken became very ill an<i today he is,~ iasical ly^
’on fiis'Tast legs. Last hi^C, hare in Cleveland, there was a'
^ig^benefit-a-f-fa-i-g ;,-tOr-he-lp:rMikes-Garcfa-.'r=Georee=.ve-cw: ■"
wanted to be there but could t
: because he had to spaak at the
Notre Duse Football banquet in South Bend. Most of tike big
~CieveTana“Bus ilelSlen' i«f e'~tHeri ixii ~ everyone oontilb tied to
George. George sent in a check for $8,000. It was
incredible. Hera is a guy who moved away from the Cl tveland
area over 12 years ago, owns a competitor major leagu s baseball
team but still cared enough to send $8,000 to help a former
Cleveland' ‘Indian ball player. There is not a more th lughtful
12. George is also a brilliant public speaker and gives
qu.lte a few speeches around the country. Most often George
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receives « liAaltt^ ceamnamtlon for his sp*skin« affotts.
Iwary ti»* George receives such reanneretioa, he domaSes the
■one; to the Boys and Girls Clubs or to smm otter charitable
group in the city in trhleh he speaks.
13^. iUnbfBer gkasipli of liis g^rosity and ii
u. AtefBer eaaiapli of liis g^rosity and ite^-ity
concerns the awney that George received for those coei^rciHsr”
with Billy Martin. All of George's share was donated Ito
various Boys and Girls Clubs.
lA. George is also the pjp* of snn who b^ixes trust.
George is sincere. People have no qualae about trust: ng
George. I r oiionb er when he decided to buy his fatter s
business. Because of his young 'age and lade of najm|cr'edit
history, he was unsuccessful in borrowii^ woney frcsi 4 *nka ii
Cleveland. So he went to Hew York City ■to~Wait aiToid
after George talked vith hi* friend and told hin of Ui
he csM bade with enough aonoy to buy bis father's bui:
iTWnartmiylr ,: — ~
of hxs plana.
15. Alttewgh I an mare of Goorgo’s'folcny «
^KTidaHsPCrsrTr-fiall^-lio-tet-l^^
Goorge took the conviction bard and did not dismss iff nneh. I
do know, however, that George has not had any troublo with any
public or private authority since then.
16. George is a wonderful and gmerous nan. I^re is not
another guy like hin in the world, te fully deserves Ithe
AFFIDAVIT OF BISHOF EDWIN B. BRODEMCE
I, Bishop Edwin B. Bzoderlclc» hereby state as follovfs:
This Affidavit is sisbaittc^ in support of Oeorge Steiid)renner' s
Fetltion for pardon submitted to the Presictent of the thiited
1. My name is Bishop Edwin B. Broderick and I reside at
New Toifc, New 'lofK 10021.
2. 1 have known George Stei^reiumr for over fifteen
3. I first net Geo^e at a Hew York Taidcee welcome honm
where 1 gave the invocation. George came up to me
af terw ards and told me how much he had lik^ wha : I said. I
told him that I had beea a crasy Tmkee tan. si^ rgrmd.n^u]r'lh
f:hm ^ YoTir djinncir ^Vitl ^1r^nna~T liiivcj been.
“■ ..J^y^relationship^iwith Geotiie- -has. been.px: airily
social. I speak to him fairly often; talking to him on the
phone or going out to diiuier.
5. i have a high opinion of Glorge. George ia a standup
|uy. - -He^ia=frahk-^^iloM^^^ — I-1lmdwflu^rfriend) ^3Q^b3#^-t:hem
also. I find George coas»letely socially acceptal le.
6. I know that George is very charitable. George is
generous to those causes which he considers worti while. He has
been very generous to our cimrch. I can always count on him to
buy a ticket or seat for a benefit. George is also very good
at having kids adWLtted to ball games and at taking on projects
to help the disadvantaged.
AFFIDAVIT OF EDPIE G. ROBIMSOM
I, Eddie C. Robitison, hereby stare as folio
This affidavit is subadtted in support of 6
Steinbrenner's petition for pardon submitted to
of the United States.
1. My name is Eddie 6. Eob'inson and I resi
iGranbling, Louisiana.
2. My profession is sports. I am the Athl
aiwl head football coach of Grairiilit^ State Unive
been since 1941.
3. 1 have Icnown George since 1976. A mutu
--helping the youth of Ai»rica — got us together.
Graablins State Ihiiversity aiKi Morgan University
.benef ih_^po_tball game in Ya^ee Stadium In orderj to’rMrrfe*^^^
for a worthwhile pTOject called The Storefront A|:iidei^~I The
StOre'frontr^cadei^-wa^lKi^HIKBvativeqproiecfct^l ii»J i <»
delinquents finish school. The game was sponsor ed by the Urban
Leapie and otlMrs aiwl each year we warn able to fill Tankee
Stadium, thereby providing substiratiid'^fttiils^ -
InUfe, hoi^di7WMef^iifd^tliAt-=t^uS®^ ifiii^duT«&3l^3£
longer sponsor the game. We did not know %diat tn do. We very
much wanted to continue helping the project — as ’rell as pro-
vide a unique experience for our students- -but the project was
Just too big for Grai^'ling and Morgan to take on alone.
4. In desperation, I called Howard Ckisell iind told him of
our problem. When he heard that our goal was he! .ping American
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youth, he said "Eddie, with George Steinbrenner ;rou night Just
have your nan.” Well, I placed a call to Yankee Stadiwn and
was able to set up an appointment with George to discuss the
5 . Right from the start , 1 was inpressed w: .th tte
genuineness of George Stelnbrerihe'r. Mien we firttmeti I sMd-
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Steinbreimer,” to which hi instantly
replied "My friends call ne George.”
6, I was most impressed with George's obvious deep com-
mitment to helpii^ the Anericah youth. George's conmitment
does not stay buried in good intentions. George is a man of
action; a man »dio wants to see accomplishments. I reme^^~the~
' t^rstlneecxi^ we^^ gj^ahJze n£fie ’ *f oldbOWf Bg^ rw game.
Representatives from Granbling State Univeraity, MOxgan -
£here. . I rmse nber
right at the beginning Gcoi^e tum^ to the Grbau League folks
and said "I am concerned with the money that wili . go to the
iirbah League. X want to alike sure the money wli- . -get to the
— F^ljant-tO-'see-resul^siJ?^---*^
ay wil-1 -get tc
7. George was able to see those results, iecause the
game was allowed to continue in Yankee Stadiun, v. lot of kids
graduated high school who otherwise would never lave made it.
8. X w»it to make clear that George's conn tment to
helping the American youth consists of much oiore than signing a
check. Yes , his financial contributions are vasi : and are very
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much appreciated. But it is his personal interest that
dominates the commitment. George goes out and becomes per-
sonally involved in helping the kids. He often travels around
the country in order to talk with the kids. And, boy, can he
talk. George is a tremendous speaker and is really able to
reach the kids, to move them and td’inspifl fhei.
9. George’s commitment to helping underprivileged
youth--both minority and white--is evident in alnost everything
he does. For example, every year George brings the Yankees to
New Orleans to play an exhibition game. One of liis primary
reasons for doing this is to allow the youngsters of Louisiana
to come see the New York Yankees play. And everjr year George
makes sure that un&erpriv'Tieged'^6ui!hs'“'wotk“a‘s~bdthbys‘^br‘*!eKg^
^ .-w J;©-;, — Mpre^than-know^of j^qree^ achl eyemenj: LJcnow
George as a friend. Since I first .met him in 19^6, I have come
to know George and to be his friend.
11. George is a true friend. NKeh T won mf 300th college
-game'7-Geofge-was fhe-fifst- to- call-to -congratu'ia
Grambling had "Eddie Eobinson Day", George was tiere. And when
George brought the Yankees to New Orleans to pla^
an exhibition game, he invited me down to spend :hree days with
him. George is someone I can talk to and confids in.
12. -I really do not know much about George's prior felony
conviction; but, I do know George. I have feasted with him,
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AFFIDAVIT OP PHIL CARUSO
1, Phil Cartsso, hereby state as follows:
This Affidavit is submitted in support of Gsorge
Steinbrenner's Petition for Pardon sulmitted to bhe Pzesident
of the United States. i
- - - L.. . naoe JLs_PhiL Carus.o_aiKl I. reside aq^H||||||^m||^m
Sayville, Hew York. "
2. X a« a policttaan by profession. I havi been with the
Mew York Police Department for 27 years.
3^ Currentlyr I a« also the pnsldeat of Hgie P^fplnain's
Benevolent Association (PBA). The PBA acts, essmtially, as
“^Ehe i^lice off iJSlaf^snunion:; — Itrrhas-^OyOOCK-acbiv ^-members— and
a^ rl rS^OOa.retiiM»»»a^ ,Af .. .Pxesident _is. an elected „
officer -have-been serving as'lpfestaS5tifblc“a.:l^^
five ye ars . I
4. I first oMt George Steinbrehner about l^ve yesurjr*a^
when he fouzuled the Silver Shield Foundation. The Silver
Shield-Foundation, is. a fund thajt provides allege sdiols^hips
tO:children-^..9tJf^pljLefM>ffice^..ki]^j^^^ Jtha lin^of <to t ir»
5. How the foundation was started, 1 thii^, truly
describes the real George Steinbrenner. About five or sir
years ago there was a cop kill^ in the line of kuty. The
officer and his family had been big Yankee fans. I Ttey h^
followed the Yankees with almost religious devotkon. The PBA
approached George Steinbrenner to ask if the faiAly could come
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to Yankee Staduim, see a ga^ and meet him. Geoi
would be Iwippy to have the family as his guest
faaily came to the game, he gave them the red ca:
ment. After meeting the family, however, George
With the chil'dren and their -plights -He decided i
)|ge said he
when the
lipet treat-
was very taken
t t he wanted
“ntghti —
slain
to do moxrn than just Mtertaih tWSi. Sb^CBaC~^
Geoi^e made a promise to help out the families o:
officers .
6. George Steinbrenner made good on his promise.' He not
only founded ai^ set up the Silver Shield ?bundal fion but Irish ~
went out and obtained^ commilaents from 100 businesmi^n to
contribute |l,05o a year.-te the Foundation. ""Mblreover—he —
es'"g^e~’^''^8ii’f '
hin^elf pledged* all of the proi»^8 oo« xaficeip
to the foundation, which is a pretty hefty amount. With sucKT"
sa'tlhaQgtauppoidr;;jthgrFoundat±onTrreverv->Yea3^.-;..ts.«afele...to.-.sendUtd^
colleg® deserving kids who otherwise would not h|.ve had the
chance.
7 . Since 'th^ start~ oTf" the” FdundationTnT
p~-^gmhl^^ihns^^
side of George. Sure, I have heard t;hat George
to work with. But there is definitely a compass:
caring side to George.
8. I have bectn a cop for a long time. X $ave been
trained to **size people up" and, over the years, I have had to do
so on a regular basis as part of my job. I think that X am a
lfsve~had'~an A
.a a tough guy
iionate and
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pretty good judge of character. After 27 years. I know when
someone is "full of it” and when someone is true . With George
I have no doubts. I have a very high regard for George.
George is a straight-shooter. He is honest and :andid. His
integrity is unimpeachable.
9.1 really do not have any personal knowledge of
George’s prior felony conviction. I do, however, know that
there is no element of criminality to George’s character.
George is genuinely decent person. He is a twe pillar of our
commnnity. He is most definitely worthy and des srvxng of a
^pardon... !! . . ... - . . .
S- ign'ed-.underL.-the>.p.ain3 an d, .penalties of ge
Phil Caruso
Subscri'bed~andr'swpm* to-befbr^me„tKi's_.
'' — ^ Notary
Hy coimniisiop expires ;
WCHi«0
Ouajiiiirijn
CcmiwiS'o*' B*
■ili
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AFFIDAVIT OF JOHiT W. 6ALBSEATH
I, John Wilmer Galbreath, her.eby state as iollows: This
affidavit is submitted in support of Seoi^e Steinhrezmer's
Petition for Pardon submitted to the President of the United
1. tty name Is Jolui Wrlmer Galbreath- and t pesida at.
Hm||m|^^m|6alloway, CKioT^^
2. My priaiary business is real estate. I liave been in
the real estate business since the 1920s.
^^ 3. 1 alao have a great interest in sports. I have owned
the Pittsburgh Pirates basebali' team sihce'T9W.
4. i have Icnown* George since he came into >aseball ,
through iis purch^e of ^thV’-NeiTYofic YaSlg^ ‘thermtci-^9'7 Os-r—
My primary relationship wi th' George has ueeh in 'jJhe dapaull/ ur***
baseball team owner. ^ _
.a . i ;TMr. j i ; s ::S5S^ince'Sl^itavesdgiowtt=hi^^ .topb.JLn_^eY^erv
way. Xn all aor associations with G.eorge, X have never had
occasion to question his integrityt.
6. I see George seveiral~tSmes~a“yeir~*at'*lto: ror-heague
tventsss^S^SKSt
7. Xn all his dealing with me» and as far is X fciMW with
other teom owners , George has been upright luid s xaight-
forward. George is not the type of man who beat!! around the
bush or minces words . He is honest in stating wl at he wants
and how he feels on any particular matter. For i his, George
has earned my respect and, X am confident, the r< spect of the
other 'Owners .
o
8. Recently, George was selected by the baseball team
owners to serve on the Expansion Conunittee. The Expansion
Committee has the important responsibility of determining
whether baseball should expand and the locations of future
baseball teams. Members of the Expansion Committee are
selected on the basis of their knowledge of and committment to
baseball as well as their awareness of what is i i the best
interest of the present owners. By their selection, team
owners have indicated the complete trust that thiy place in
these individuals , There is no doubt that Georg i is worthy of
being selected for this most i aportant task.
9. Another major interest of mine is thor>ughbr^
- -■ y the Vinner of“t1fe‘ l g ene uc ky* JgrB yr
10. I know that George also has an interest in thorough-
^ b're'd..ra'cing^ and, issjinvolvedi jn: several^ v enere a.
11. In thoroughbred 'racing circles, I have lever heard
noncompliment ary remarks about George.
12. As a Major League baseball team dvmer : am aware that
George?- in-^Movemiier-bf 0;§74“ -wa ie^lig-ibl-ei.ttstc: -
for a period of two years by the Commissioner wi :h respect to
the management of the New York Yankees. I know :hat the
Commissioner’s action was in response to charges to which
George plead guilty, of illegal corporate campaij'n contribu-
tions. The period of suspension long since over George is
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MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF THE IlTITlpN
OF GEORGE M. STEINBRENNER, III FOR A P^feoN
George M. Steinbrenner , III, through the unlerslgned
counsel, submits this memorandum in support of t »e accompanying
Petition for Pardon After Completion of Sentence ,
I. INTRODUCTION
On August 23, 1974, George Steinbrenner, Chiirman of the
Board and then- President of the American Ship Bu .Iding Company,
pled guilty in the United States District Court :or the Northern
District of Ohio to the felony of conspiracy to i lake corporate
campaign contributions in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 610. 1/
repealed bv th e Federal
Elect ion Campa ijm_Act of '1^6 (PubT'‘t7“^'4^7i^I)’’T^^
■ in' reievant- part , that rrz: — : 1
It is unlawful for any national bank, «r
;an3T" corpd r algt on^gjceani'zedrjbv.- a u t-hori t-v-lof. __
any law of Congress, to m'ato a contribetlon”'"
or expenditure in connection with any elec-
tion to any political office, or in coimec-
tion with any primary election or political
convention, or caucus hel d to select candi-
dates for any political office, of fBrjany'
ii^^xc ggpo ration^ whateva r. or yry labor organiza-
tion tTo milce a'^cbntfib'ufi^-^bf^expendfW
in connection with any election at which
Presidential and Vice Presidential electors
or a Senator or Representaive in, or a|
Delegate or Resident Commissioner to Con-
gress are to be voted for, in or connection
with any primary election or policial I
convention or caucus held to select candi-
dates for any of the foregoing offices ! or
for any candidate, political committee! or
other person to accept or receive any I
contribution prohibited by this section.
The 1976 Act includes an equivalent provisiei
2 U.S.C. § 441b. I
codified at
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Mr. Steinbrenner also pled guilty to the nisdeBej
being an accessory after the fact to violations
connaitted by the company and two of its officers|
30, 1974, Mr. Steinbrenner was fined a total of
-—two, off enses^ No imprisonment or probation was
Eleven years have passed since Mr. Steini^]
tion. During that time, Mr. Steinbrenner has d<
his conduct that he is fully rehabilitated and
his wrong^^^. Since 1974., Mr. Steiid)rei|ner
lifelong practice of devoting a major part of
:eiffort—toward~a—vaat— ar ray of civic and ch aritabjl)
■yjabl.^Steiid>remer. ntoreoyer, from the beginning
: hib
pnor charge of
j>f section SlO
On August
|?15,000 for the
Ig^osed.
pmef '^s“c6livi*c« —
trated by
atoned for
continued his
time and
,e services.
Maut
- -respoiESlblrlldfcy—for-fehe-vinlatiott of the electlori
makin g excuses lor his conduct, and has made clear that' We wai
remorseful f or^ his'
Mr. Steinbrenner' s multitudinous c|»itributi|oi
- jprrajpted Governor Bob Graham of the St|
jad^is Cabinet to gran t Mr. Steinbrenner a pardS
his state civil rights in Dei
Neither that state pardon nor Mr. Steinbrenner *s
however, have — or can -- eliminate the adverse
felony conviction continues to have on him and h
pardon by the President of tl» Ifenited States wou
many barriers to his participation in business,
civic affairs and the full exercise of his ciyill
isivnied
taSP»?E6SSue*'
ins to his
kte of Florida
to' restoring" - -
philanthropy ,
iaQ>act the
is family. A
4d eliminate
piaritable and
rights, as
Q
e
- 3 -
well as- the social stigma, of being branded as a SEelon. Mr.
Steinbrenner has suffered long enough; he is deserving of such
a reprieve.
the previous PARPOW- request
Mr. steinbrenner previously filed a petitioiT request
with the Pardon Attorney on January 17, 1979. flat request was
denied on January 15, 1981, presumably because he requisite
five. -year. pjiit>spn^ tlme^ period, which must precede the
filing of a pardon request had Just barely passe< ; perhaps
~riraVingigoine-doubte~.a3JLto_^^ Steinbrenner ' s lon gi term
.fe-ia
---AnofherrslTcryja^^h ave^^ the
jpetition, during which time Mr. Steinbrenner^has
''^nraitm^hlTtd
community. In order to focus on Mr. Steinbrenner
-godd^chnduc^an^ Ear.#n Attorney has
memoratyiu B will ni
detail the informatidh and arguments presented*i5i^
Steinbrenner’ s behalf in 1979. Rather, it will p.
on his activities since that time.
confirmed his~
ids^qf^his^
s continued
^he previous
repeat in
^imarily focus
CONTRIBUTIONS TO AND RECOGNITION BY THE
COMMUNITY *
Recent Civic and caiarltable Efforts
Mr. Steinbrenner has engaged in as active a |)articipation
in philanthropic and charitable activities as hisj felony
o
o
conviction permitl . 'These- activities have been :entered in
Florida t New Tork and Ohio . His contributions 1 1 these conmu~^
nities have largely centered on education, athle ;ics, youth and
law enforcement. As discussed below, however, h:.s activities
run~the~gaiMit—£-roM-as sis ting the FBI in nati.onal sefcu-
rxty natters to helping a 14-month old baby in nued of a iiver
tra^plant .
port.,o£ Education
Mr. Steinbrenner strongly believes that his^ier education"
iiS esIentiffi-iipr^te--isitiik€C^ i. and has
is essential ‘•fpr-tfS-Ifutiikcajocees^of-o itr and has
nr aonat ^ ' senerSBa ^y*>tb»..feHddi ft^^ belief . He li|~a"^ ii^iliiahl
benef actors fnFlhrtda-Statee^^Onxversxt ^T-Jaclcsonvj lle'univer- ~~
^=ssssity^Univer si.ty^of Florida. .Universit y of South Florida^ "
University of farapa, Unives^ity of' c5SlSEl771grt< af^^SSaaitsiseoa?::-
College and Purdue University. He serves on the Foundation
Boafds~of "Florida— St ate-Ugjy ersit v < University oj South Florida
a^-»»Gi?affl?I^ggS ^t^Unlveg is a nariie r of the Board~Vf
Trustees of Saint Leo College, Zona Uiidversity ai^^
State University. He also supports his alma natJrs, Uilllans
College in Massachusetts, Ohio State University and Culver
Military Academy in Indiana, uhere he serves as a! director.
Mr. Steinbrenner* s contributions have not bclen limited to
support of educational institutions. Ife also directly supports
the underprivileged so that they may obtain highi education:
o
o
Ha has personally funded the college
education of approximately 75 un'der-
privileged youths.
Starting in 1981, he has sponsorep the
college education of four childrep of
a New York policeman killed in tl4
line of duty.
The same year, he f oundSd the -Si-lper- -
Shield Foundation, which finances the
college education of the children of
slain New York police and firemen
through the proceeds of selected few
York Yankees games and money raised
each year from 100 businessmen in New
York.
In 1981, he founded a counterpart!
org anization in Tampa, Florida, the
G^~dt*SKireTd"Foundafrion,wJWh lch PTO gides
college scholarships^ to ■the-^iSldlfinT —
%»sl?aAnafeg gJLLcemen. and f iremen through
donatrinns
_d onatiq n£^fT^
These commitments are not without i^act'; — fis^fKi
fhil_Ci3:us.q:i--
Presldeht"^of°^the,‘°‘P.atfdlmarilsrBen eyolent~.A ssociatlL on. noted:
"With such strong support, the [Silver Shield] Flundatioh,
year, is able to send to college deserving kids |7ho otherwise
^ w ould not ha ve had the chance."* TAff idavit -of Pjiil-.Caru^o
Mr. Steinbrenner is also deeply involved in arts and musi
at ion. For example, he is the mainstay behind the Univer-
education. For example, he is the mainstay behind the Univer-
sity of South Florida Music Festival, brii^ing ii top-flight
musicians each year who perform without pay for :he benefit of
the school's fine arts programs. Indeed, Mr. St tinbrenner has
brought more funds to the fine arts at secondary and collegiate
institutions than he has to the athletic programs discussed
below. I
Z‘. Support of Amateur Athletics
It goes without saying that Mr. Steinbrennec, who is
perhaps best known as the general manager and principal owner
of the New York Yanlcees, has an .avid interest in sports. It is
less well known that°^fie“is“a“staunch-supporter_o £ amateur athle
tics, predicated on the belief that athletics help bur youth
develop both physically and emotionally by teacl ing them the
virtues of hard work, loyalty and discipline. 5 or example:
° Mr. Steinbrenn'erV“through -tha'Yan feees, " ’ - ^
contributed $150,000 to the "Save
^ Amateur Sports Program" in New York.
® ^Hphii^-ibnated^^
"*■■ ■ free yimlsslon s to the New York lankee — -
— gsmes~to ’•sdjpydrt^lPPad^New.Jhark^ . _
'Z — mr.e creat ion;>-progr ams..
He has contributed generously to Boys '
jsiubs^ai-l^arouhd- the country .
* He has provided lights for the
baseball fields at all of Florida
major universities.
® nHfe~sef^s~on~^he-Executi3ye.-Cbm mit tee
of t he U.S. Olympic Committee and
Trti . . ,ui ^^«'M.J5j{;>^g.|igijgoard-gofe T-rust-ees» o' f...the, X
Olympic Toundati^^*""''
Mr. Steinbrenner is also a benefactor of the Mev
Little League players, the New York Police Athle
New York Sandlot Baseball. In addition, ha has
number of sports -related activities, such as pay
portation and lodging costs for University of So
cheerleaders and student band so chat they could
Sunbelt Conference basketball tournament in Alab
o
o
1
bringing the baseball teams of West Point, Anna{iolis and the
Air Force Academy (beginning in 1986) to Florida for spfi1%
training at the Yankee's minor league caaqi in Ft. Lauderdale.
3. Support of United States National Security
~~ — Aetivi ties^^
As the DOJ is aware, in May 1983, Mr. Stein jranneiTwas^”
credited with assisting the Federal Bureau of In restigation in
- two. national security matters. Since these are tensitive
matters, we ref er you to the' FBI -f or more i^^*ltion * .
Suffice it to say, however, that this type »f behind-
thf?scen es cbopei^il^^tr^iluit^^ tiab renner* s
:r~--^^^SJg 5 tri'otxsm. ' A's~^roir*Mcgwenirt>‘aiJEjliife^ Sports
Editor, stated: ''George'**r”blood--i-s-trul3Cre<fc35^^e-andJlllu^
^e?^^^^6gta‘lspabrio_r.-,,pAJJL^any ^e has to .do to Know George ' s
convi'ctloss Is to hear him speak. He diwl^ 'on‘*^^^riEoF=2
^fefs^tiful and the land of opportunity, on the affect of drugs.,
on pove^ «^~?He~^ *to-heip-^l£iaaate Jt^sf (Iff^^ of
Other Civic and Charitable Activilfiea
Mr. Stelnbrenner has generously helped peoplle in need in a
number of other respects as well. To <]uote Bishcjp Broderick:
I know that George is very charitable. G^rge rs generous to
those causes which he considers worthwhile. He Uas been very
generous to our clutrch. I can always count on hiU to buy a
ticket or seat fox a benefit. George is also veiw good at
having kids admit tied' to "bail- games, and at takini on projects to
help the disadvantaged." (Affidavit of Bishop Iroderick, p.
1) To name a few of his personal charitable unc er takings :
® Mr. Steinbrenner financed a series of
^ cranial opefationi for a 7 -year old
tong— Is landLgirlj^
® He publicized the plight of a 14-month~ ~ — —
old boy in need of. a liver transplant
in an effort to have a donor come
forward,
® He- waa. a. major sponsor of a fund-
raising drivC JoJ^sur^^vors .of tta 61 .
Americans killed in fhe' Soviet- do|^h^
of Korean Air Lines flight 007.
~~^~^^^He~jyia4iRq:oT- effor t to
— -I-- III, I -. ^ refur bish the Statue “of isiKerfyr: ~ — — — ^
also makes' 'regull^^ as. to t|te Spe-
cial Olympics , the Prevent Blindness “Foundation, -EHer Catho l-ic.:—
Youth QrganfiaFi5ii?‘*tSe^ronxrMi ssion..Sb ciet Y . t ae Fresh Air
Fund, and United States Sjvings Bonds. I
5. "Honors- arid,. Awards Received by Mr. I
Mr. Steinbrenner hlS^f^el^'a^'Sn uiBber^of.^a <ards in
recognition of his civic and charitable contribu rions . For
example, in 1983, he was honored as the "Florida Industrialist
of the Year." That same year, he received a "Diitlriguished
Citizen Award" from the National Football Founda :ion and Hall
of Fame. He has also received an honorary doctorate from
- 9 -
Grainbling State University. In addition, Mr. SI einbrenner was
Chairman for the 1985 Coast Guard Foundation Dii ner which broke
all records for money raised, gave the commenceii ent speech at
the £xv Force Academy's, annual Activities Award |Banquest , and
was a gues t~ s peaker to~-^FBI- Acadejay_g raduat es .
Consistency With Mr. Steinbrenner's
Activities
HtL.- Slelnbrenner has not delved into civic
activities merely to compensate for his felony
""gKeTTc'ontxairy-y-ha-cons.istently has been involved
H
e-Conviction
eeta^aJJL.bf, his, life . One only has to read thd
t and charitable
dhvi-ctibn.:. _To
in such pro-
aflOdhvirtr:? f-
-Aitbert— Blrf£sl:a^n 5 ^--li£eJ^^ friend7~to'^^SS^iayi?^
is not a newcomer to helping worthwhile .(^seS^aSad-tEose
heed. '*Giitaenias^5EE*'so^iiBig^ th at this
would be very long affidavit if I were to relat^
-(Affxday.it of Albert W._ Bernstein, p. 2)
^Matiy of ^js civic and charitable 'acfivtt±es|-pfidr .to 1979^
are detailed in the memoran^^T^^^^iupp.o.rt^
Steinbrenner's first pardon petition (Mem. at 5-1), and will
not be repeated here. Suffice it to say that hii works were so
substantial that they resulted in his appointmen: to the Board
of Regents of Ohio (where he previously resided) , and the re-
ceipt of such awards as the 1969 Golden Plate Aw ird for "eKtra-
ordinary leadership and service to fellowman" fr »m the American
Academy of Achievement and Cleveland's 1972 "Man of the Year"
award .
0
o
Im
hm
In sum, Mr. Steinbrenner both before and after his convic-
tion has been a compassionate and generous community I'eader
a fact which he has done little to publicize and is rarely
mentioned in the portrayals of this man on the iports pages of
^erlcan newspapers .
IV. THE NATURE OF THE OFFENSE AND MR. STEINBReAnER' S
ADMISSION OF WRONGDOING
The nature of the offense committed by Mr. Steinbrenner
and his f espons e- -to- -his- indictm ent are consonant with issuance
of a pardon. Unlike such crimes as homicide, Is rceny or
offens.es--involvihg-v.ioxenc_y:or3‘0^ aniz ed--crime^^ the offense of
^’^•"^e^ rs^t^Tig^vivj.-porafeegifiCamRai an.-contributionsf does not involve
■~m6fal~tdrrpitude^^d^=isrn6^^ Z^wxbngllit\i^
28 C.F. R. § l.Z~
(requiring persons who^^re^t^hvl^c^ S^^'*sr^jL5us^S
nature" to wait seven years before filing a petition for pardon
rather^-than— the- norma l fi v e' year s . ■)
^^■^^^^Mi^^&teinbre^er..>,moreM^ fully assumed i espons ibility
for the contributions deemed to have been made bj
Ship Building Company. In pleading guilty to t
expressed his remorse for his actions and his d
again become the- law-abiding citizen he had pro
be in the past. When he was asked by the Court
statement to make prior to the imposition of sen
Steinbrenner stated:
©
-fa
Your Honor, for the last year I have c
through possibly the most difficult pe
of my life. It has been one of agony
suffering for the family and my childrj
and my company and myself, and for mani
are friends .
As the Chief Executive Officer and the|
leader, of a ^moanv. when good things
happen to the companyT-I~-raa-l-ize--I_getl
credit. By the sane token, when mista
are made, X am responsible for those m
takes aiul must bear the full responsib
lity for them.
X realize the law has been violated, a
have- done, it , and I had the chance to
perhaps perform dif fefentlx as a leade
my company, and I can't argue those fa
TTainT~concerhed---fox-mv.- j>en and employee
their faiilies“who*’ haye-suff«ria7rawdr:
»*>^^dftj eshiR. has^ failed them, I am sorry
Basically I have tried" to~ spend- the be
part of my life in the best ways I taie
‘■^^fiow7St'ryi‘nget:t o-do- good_£ or othe rs , and
han't ■ say whether X-*hayi'^b¥enr*sucS
not, but no matter what the verdict, £
try to continue to try to preserve the
system under which X am going to be se
- tenced: and to do everything I can to
continue to help others- wherever X..am..J
Th at^ is . all. 2/ 1
Transcrxpt of sentencing before the Honorable Leroy J.
Contie, Jr., Judge, United States District Court for the
Northern District of Ohio in United States Stein -
brenner . pp. 22-23 (August 30, 1974). Mr. iSteinbrenner
has continued to publicly ackrowledge his vwongdoing and
express his regret for his actions. For exjaraple, in
response to a question from a reporter as tp how it felt
to be "the only convicted felon ^miong baseball's owner-
ship," Mr. Steinbrenner responded, "It's part of what you
have to bear. Nobody is without a dent in.pheir armor.
It's part of my life. I have to live with jit...." Wash-
ington Post, October 23, 1981, at D-1.
e
0
The resulting sentence imposed by the District Court
evidences a recognition that Mr. Steinbrenner was well on his
way toward rehabilitation. Although the Court could have
imposed a prison sentence of up to three years Eor the two
- count Sr -t-ha..Court_i!nposed^^ o^ ^ fine . Surely , if Mr .
Steinbrenner had been perceived to have eng^ed ihlndral
turpitude or flouted the law in any way. a grea rer punishment
would have been imposed.
tike the Court* s. determination to forego iuposition of a
sentence, the grant of a pardon to Mr. S :einbrennaf
would not undermtoe"the“prohibitioB_agair^t cor] orate campaign
cglitxifaut4on&6M,^^Jh ^_.it would serve to re eoei
to so'crety^ of -c^mpleterrehabi-l-it^ tratT^flfe*^
^ r ly plays in our criminal Justi( e system^
STEIHBREtfNE R'S RIGHTS AMD IHTERESTS
StainbreflniTr 'was not- imprispnel as a result
of the eowun'fiSiSn^-o-f^ggyot^y^jEjg^^ Lctions
on him in response to his conviction were in man rw^a^jusi^as^
severe. Most importantly, Mr. Steinbrenner suffsred the loss
of hxs civil rights. 3/ In addition, Mr. Steinbrenner has
been, in significant measure, prevented from conducting his
‘he light to
6
O
businesses and participating in civic and charitable affairs.
In 1974, for example, then Commissioner of Baseball Bowie Kuhn
prohibited Mr. Steinbrenner from "managing or adirising in the
jmanagement of the af-fairs of the New York Yankees and engaging
in any associatioiPwliat'SCTever-with-.anx J^or League Club or its
personnel” for a period of two years. See Attacment 2 herelToi
at p. 1. 4/ It scarcely needs argument that for a man who is
the general partner and principal owner of the Yankees and an
ardent admirer of the sport, this susp.ejMion fron professional
-Jb. as_eball wa s harsh punishment indeed.
There has been some impgdvement~-i-n-Mr-.^Stelhbrenner' s
-positi on sinc e 1974
nor. Bob Gral^ of Florida' s
1979 pardon restored His' state civilzrightsj^/- Jotwithstan^^
ini°:goverho^Graha m~s»action and the passag e of Irime, however7~
Mr. Steinbrenner's 1974 felony conviction confih ies^lo^he^ ar-: — -
source of personal humiliation and a barrier to the nonnal
4/ The sole exception to this prohibition was
"extraordinary or unusual matters" affectink the Yankees,
and even then, prior approval of the Commispioner was
required. See ibid .
5/ Mr. Steinbrenner also had the support of Golremor
Graham's Cabinet. Under Florida law, the Governor can
grant a pardon only after receiving the approval of three
members of the Cabinet. Governor Graham granted Mr.
Steinbrenner the full pardon (save for the authority to
possess firearms) which, under the governing Rules of
Executive Clemency, he was permitted to graht for a
federal offense -- the restoration of Floripa civil
rights . See Rules of Executive Clemency of Florida S
5.F(2). The Rules of Executive Clemency of Florida
authorize the issuance of a "full pardon" only for an
offense under Florida law. See id. at § S.k.
o
A stigna stii-ll attach^ to Hr. Steinbrenne r as a result of
his conviction. One need only peruse the newspaper articles
concerning Mr. Steinbrenner to confim this. Tiese articles
fregoenitly describe hin as a "convicted felon" >r the "only
"convi'Cted-felonu.aaisng baseball's oimership.” S , Sports
Illustrated, June 7, 1982; The Washington Post, OctoBef"^',
1981; and U.S. Edition, July 28, 1975.
Disabilities have been iaqposed on Mr. Steiiibrenner's
business acfei^ti'es.^as wel l. 'Just this suimer, for ex-
aaqple, Minnesota racing officials denied hia an owner^¥ license
eanterSuE01owns-r--t4ie-.srAtfe*a first parinuta . thoroughbred
^K-t 5 felony oa n^ction. 67’pTBe ham — -
suffgrad~by— by^^ir.~-:Sl:ed nbrenner!.JLs.JE.ar sgre th^ ecoiwffi!fi'; '.lli *
jLS^a. smbolic slap in the face for a mn who hai tried'scTTard—
to overcone 'his cohifictlon a®'T^^a*gC!^»^ti‘sei "= ^ ‘’ - - —
Mr. Steinbrenner' s civic and charitable activities
’slniiar-iy- hav.e-b een ciriaim scribed because of thi felony convic-
Stl-oma^-RecentXy... lox example, he was asked tso 1s« fve ICsrarmeiaber
of the Florida State Board o'f Keg^ts!" axtnou^ ^^w^hedst ^»
accept this position, after discussion with trusted friends and
coamunity leaders, he declined the nonination because of the
See Minn. Stat. § 240.06(d)(2) (precludi^ she issuance
of horseracing licenses to felons). Mr. St&inbrenner is
the owner of a number of tborou^d»red racin; horses.
Because Oklahoma has a coi^arable provision in its laws,
Mr. Steinbrenner also declined to Join a fatily horse-
racing venture in that state.
adverse piibilci'ty to the F-lorida Ec^c^tional Sys :en that would
likely ensue were he to accept.
Mr. Steinbrenner has gone to extraordinary Lengths to
atoi^' for his wrongdoing . Hohetheless , he contii iues to be
i^mtecT By Kafs'-pas -AsJgon Mciwen. note d^^^
"I also Iniow that George took and still “■ —
the ccmviction very hard.. I can say with
authority, from experience and froa a d&ep
personal relationship, that relief of the
pain and suffering of the felony wauld nean
Bore to- him. thw .anything else.”
(Affidavit of Tom McEwen, p. 4). • - -
o?^ecull?g5rja:emency-J>y^ ^ fresid ait is war-
g^tect fco* idc^ftap*thtewcQh fcto c onseouei ices “siif fsred-
by Mr. Ste^ — ' """ " '
As a matter of comity, the decision- by the Governor of
Florida" fS ~restore-lfa..—Ste inbreaner *s. ciyil rights in the State
^^®Flora«liS5iught55|oJb^^|^^j^Mt' weight in determ:m£ag"‘Whether-
to grant this parallel federal otojon^reOT
dent's Article II pardon power, the grant of Executive Clemency
by the Governor of Florida is an "act of grace” froeeeding from
the power entrusted the Governor by the Florida Constitution.
Rules of Executive Clemency of Florida § 1; see Ilorida Consti-
tution of 1968, Article IV, §• 8(a). Florida Governor Bob
Graham, based on his review of the ciromstances relevant to
o
Mr. Steinbfenner's conviction and his rehabiliti tive activities
determined that Mr. Steinbrenner was deserving <f a reprieve.
The act of grace conunenced by the Governor shou! d be comp^Ieted
by the Iresid^t, by the grant of a full federa] pardon.
VII. CONCLUSION ~~ ^ ~ —
We respectfully request that the fardon Attorney and the
Attorney General recommend to the President that he grant the
petition of' George- M.. Steinb renne r for a. pardon. A pardon
would remove the stigma of a criminal convictior , restore to
Mf: St'elnbrenneiZKlgrfediqsai^ and a lleviate the
c^txnuirij ^l^mt*toi4ii&.»C a.nd busin ess interests. "It —
would also~'s^erve--to-ricoghiz'er Mrv-‘Sfee inbxen ner's many ' pb'sTtfffvS**
ac,c^pllsKmenj:j5 an^ cont^butions to civic, char ttaiiie~ ami
educational affairs. rrrr— .........
Respectfully sabmitted,
PIERSON, BALL
m
William B. Sax
T. Timothy Rya
1200 18th Stre
Suite 1000
Washington, B..
Attorneys for
George M. St^
Memorandum
|l'#|
'.ill
seorge Michael 1
f.B.I. MO- 3«3 595 MI I JAH i 0 '5®®
— I Z — — . — —
" ?^«S'Ber.au ct Inv.ahigatlon I>«don htWy
„„ ahove aace,^hhe
uftcgMltaonal par .^„«Kacy ta »4
. ffentenc^e^r
conspiracy q* i^canpalgn
corporate
contributions ana ^ ^^s.C.
■accessor^-Mter .
SS 37t ana 3.
rJ>15.r®??r£^^-:=rr z: rm
Memorandum
George Michael Steinbrermer
F.B.I. No. 383 595 MI
Applicant for pardon
fune 10, 1988
William, S.. Sessions, Director
*^vid C. Stephenson
'Udvia scepne
Federal Bureau of Investigation Pardon Attorney
Attached is a copy of previous correspondence with you.
requesting information required to process subject's! application
for Executive clemency. I
It would be appreciated if we could have your r«isponse as soon
as possible. i
o
o
George Michael Steinbrenner
F.B.I. ilo. 383 595 HI
Applicant for pardoa
WiXliaia S. Sessions, Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Attached is a- copy of previous correspondence w
requesting information, required to process subject's
for Executive cloraency.
It would be appreciated if we could have your r
as possible.
David G. St!
Pardop. At to!
o
o
George Michael Steinbrenner
F.S.I. SO. 383 595 HI
Applicant for pardon
Ifilliaa S. Sessions, Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
David C*
Pardon Atit
April 12, 1988
^tephenson
orney
subject, whose
and current
ound investigation
We are considering a pardon petition filed by
earlier petition was denied in 1981. The previou^
petitions were investigated by the Bureau's Backgri
Unit in 1979 and 1986, respectively.
In accordance with well-*established procedur^ relating to
Executive clemency (see Onited States Attorneys* Hanual 1-3.108 —
Office of the Pardon Attorney), I am reguired to ptepare for the
consideration of the Associate Attorney General a proposed report
to be submitted by him to the President reconoaending that subject's
petition be either granted or denied. It is my responsibility to ,
•obtain the views of concerned officials before subaitting such a
report. Enclosed for y^r review are copies. of th^ petition and the
closing reports of the bacl^pund ingu fries, as well as a copy of
a letter fro m subj ect's counsel, T. Timothy Byan, fr., dated
.Dece«iBer~t57 WB7T.
' I
istance which
11-year period
this case, we
|We ordinarily do
>n matters,
tate the signifi-
Itive value of the
y 21, 1986, any
•ropriety of
a reward for his
The enclosure to Mr. Ryan's letter derails ast
subject states that he .furnished ttie Bureau over at
(1976 to 1987). To facilitate ouir consideration oi
would an>reciate your verifying this infomation.
not ask the Bureau to make r§c<)Bmendations Jin pardt
However, since you' are in a':|inig[ue position to eva!
cance of subject's assistance, as well as the prob.
contents of the Bureau's reports or June 10 and Ju:
views which you may wish to express concerning the
according subject favorable pardon consideration a:
service to the Government also would be welcome,
X would point out that the ground on which a paVdon is usually
granted is in large measure the demonstrated good conduct of tKe
petitioner for a significant period o£ time after conviction and
completion «f,:sentence. All relevant factors, including the
o
recentness and seriousness of the offense for vhic^ pardon is
sought, the petitioner's prior and subsequent crlninaX record. If
3ny, his reputation in the community and the extent of hla community
service, charitable or other meritorious activities, are carefully
reviewed to determine whether he has become and is likely to
continue to be a law-abiding, responsible and productive member of
society.
- . -lour cdoper^ion in this matter is appreciated. If I may be’ of
further assistance, “please - call- me-on-m-4&2=5ftl.0..l While obviously
containing sensitive information, the attachment tofllr. Ryan's'
letter of December 14, 1967 is not classified.
PLEASE RETORW ATTACHHBMTS.
(SOSfiE H. STEINBRENHEE, 111
PEHD1H6 LEGAL ACTIONS
JAMUASl 28, 1986
(AUSHER TO QUESTION 9)
QgPOSIHG PABTT
Florida Cities Publishing Co.
Cleeveley, Beeler & Jadcsonvllle
Monthly
St. Philips Tewing Co.
Haukht, Poston, Forlezo, at al.
Bruce Poston' and Choilcal Bank
Ed Linn and CBS, Inc.
Peavey Cdopany and ConAgra, Inc.
Comnlssloner of Internal Bev«iue
United States of Anecica
Circuit CiMl,
Hlllsboroid^
County, Ilprlda
83-9815 M^slonr
•*w* I
District Court of
Appeal I
Second District of '
Florida
85-1309
U.S. District Court
.on
■X-J5
- ^-1091-C14-1-L7.
U.S. District Court
- .Souiiiet n Dis-tr lct. -of -
““i
82-C1V-0894
SupreuB &}urt of
Haw Toric J
County of luonx
IndaxHo. ^£8/84 _
U.S. Dlstr^t Court
Has tarn Dlscrlct of
Haw York |
dv 84-087«
U.S. Tax CoUt
Docket Ho. ^52-83
U.S. Court Of Claloi
52-83T I
6. As a spores editor 1 have also dealt with Georga
professionally, coverii^ his activities %fith tti a Tiroes, the
T^pa horsetrack, %diich )m bought soon after coiii^ here, and
his nunerous other sports involvenents . In his dealings with
the press, George has always been lai^el^ available and aware
of^-the-value-of^iwws^ -Although^George, -hinself often-proyldes
much to write about, so far as I kncm, he has n&ver exploited
7. I feel X know all sides of Georgel I Imow that
he -can, at tines-; be autocratic- and Mm- and he is. not -without
a
a
Alnnm;i , Club. Afc hls own expense he brought the Marine Drun and
Biigle Cb^. and* other entertal.iielhnt to the HFL Alunni Dinner
idiich was able to raise §400,000 for charitable causes
tmtipnally and in this area e.g. USO, Childrens Hone.
10. J^thsir ei^np^b Oepj^e's nevec ending
-cmapassiott-and-generositjr-occurred' Just- last. -iwakth^-. Oeorg^and. .
1 attended the J.C. Penney aixed teen golf tmirnanent near
here, visiting with the nen and wraen proa, «ai^ of whim he had
hosted at Yankee Stadiue. I re-introduced hie to Chi Chi
kod^guesr aoA teM-hl* oPe lodriquer-progra» u^my in our
area in which abused childxm are day-cared by
Ms foundation.
k- chUdrea spend- 1
— ^smother course-ia “being- huiit-and-wili serve-ia
pla^p fpr th^ pbusAd ^^sl About 20 wrm folloi
a leanKihg^ -
ii^ Chi Chi at
the time. George iaaiediately said M wanted to tolp. He
proniaed chat when the YaidMos com to the area next Karidi to
p-l-ajr ‘the-T-oronCo -Blue Jaya he- would -host tM-kid t, .girli-thi^
recelpts--about §20,000. I
11. George also has a great roeance with high school
and college sports and has done nuch to help then out. George
is one of Che few najor league owners that bringi his ballclub
to play at different universities during preseas* n. By dging
so, George has helped nai^ universities raise eiungh noney to
a
a
- 4 -
purcha'stt lights for tho stsdiiMi thst th®y othsiwiso would not
bo abls to do.
12. Goorgo has also bean vorj- soppoitira of local
causes. Here, in Tmpa, George foaed an or^tisation that
proryides funds for the widorira onib$ns of ti W* police and
— — HClxea»n-tellectrin -tlM-l±ne--of-duty-.- — - -
13. Moreover, George's blood is tru^ly red, white and
blue. He is a total patriot. All anyone has ;o do to know
Geoxpe's convictions is to hear hin speak. He dwells on
Aaei^ea the beautlftil and tlM lud of- opportunity-, -on -the-
affocts of drugs, on poverty and the way to help elininhte it
-He, dwells - on achieveneni?: and fani»e-prl^’.- 'IBj
■ si ^r a a ri ■ ana widifiyT i sui^ t" .«‘*Po t « * e« s(
Is a ibaeSil
'thh HbtlS~l^^~£bmbal3rsq^ Tlithbugh-ther-dtar he-spok^-was
_thfuday_i^tjir..the^cj^^^ was fired, he fired thb tea up with
his speech.
14. 1 know of George's prior felony^ ccmviction and
'hiS' -suapmsiorir-froa-baaebali— for— fewo‘-yeaa^as--p 'result~.p£ 'the.
conviction venr hard. I can say with authoritf, fron
eacperienee and fron a ^ep personal friendship , that relief of
the pain and- suffenLng of the felony would neaa nore to bin
than anything else. X can also say that since he easM into ny
world, to Taepe, he has been a mighty contributor to that.which
is good and id&olasoM. Gaoxga Stainbrazmor is a fina «an, fina
fatlwr, fina citisan. In nqr Judgaant a pazddn iidt odly is
dasanrad but: also would ba nost Judicious. If lia had tiina to
saxva, ha has served it.
Signed under the pains and panaltiaii 61 parjury.
o
Q
7. Gmor^m mod X hmvm n«v«r grofin apart akd wa hava
Maintainad a close personal relationship. AhytIuM one of tis
has a big.f^ily e'rent, the other is tl^re.
8. George has done so ■ai^r'^treMnidmis thiin^ that this
%fould be a very long affidavit i£ l ttere to relute then all,
Mai^ of these, hovover, no one knows about becai Esa 6eo^e is
not concerned with publicisii« th«.
_ As MB eranpla, one day about 12 to 14 yaara ago ■
Caerga cane to na and saU **Tou know Al. avarToii^is always ~ — '
about 1^ slM^ld 'do ' sonartiiAl f or
no one ever says we sh^d 'do' smthtoi^^ £oc £fia MdT thhf:- et ay~=
^^^=^B^T^ang«wa.tdCth«t:^Gaorgaadaeid ^ entire Bav
Village High Sc1kh>1 Basketball Tean to Hmr York City so
they could attend the l.I.T. playoff gam. Ha flew the entire
taM ^ their coa^s td and ffoi~Ri»r Ybrk, paid^ Yox^-th^ -
10. And as another exaaple, during the tiile when George
was living in Cleveland he found out that the horses used by
the Cleveland Police Bepartnant were gett ing old. So he Just
went out and bought 6-7 horses for the Clevelsod Police
Bepartnent* without oudcing a big deal out 'of it. As George was
0
o
not concomod with publiclain* tho «v«nt, not Lmy pooplo
11. George is extreaelf generous end thotightful. In
a^ition to his vast civic and charitable conti Ibutions ,
George’s geherosity Is aiaple on a personal, Iwlvidual level.
IT cmn clti Hi|- exai^l-e-that- occumd-just. Jlast-i onghs_. JL«?^3r__
years ago idien the Cleveland Indilns were in tl air prim -
about 1948 to 1954 - they had an wtstandinB, liig strong
pitdlMr naned Hike Garcia. Garcia mom somthiii. He weighed
about 250“ Ibi , hdd arm ttke tree trwdcs -and, cc aid thiow
ball like no o ne else^. After a nunber of years Garcia retired,
ti^bd his luck with a ^ goodinraHSainaid~f«fMrTipon-^^
- — . ^ j
on his last legiT- TOlT-nighti -^ir^Eiimev^^
Garcia. Geerm very onicb
wanted to be there but could not becattse he had ^b SpmlTm "^[e^
Hotre Paiae Football banquet in South Bend. Moa : of the big
Clem^d^ businessnenrmre them^nd. emucy^ !£t^uted_to
, b y^t not
George. George sent in a <dieck for $8,000. It was
incredible. Here is a. ^y who noved amsf fnaa i be Cleveland
area over 12 years ago, owns a coagwtitor najor league baseball
teaa Init still cared enough *to send $8,000 to help a ioraier
Clevelaxul 'Indian ball player, there is not a m re thimghtful
or generous guy in the world.
12. Geo^e is also a brilliant public spetker and gives
quite a few speeches around the count'ry. Host < ften. ^o^e
o
o
racaiir** a haalthy reaunaration for hia spaakim^ efforts.
Ivory tioMi Gaox^a racaivas such ramsha'ratiim, h i donates tha-
awnay to tim Boys and Girls Clubs or to sons other charitable
group in the city in idtieh ha speaks.
13. inother exaapli of his generosi^ and integrity
eon^riu tfit 6«oTcga-racalvad-for-fehoi a-coasiarcigla__
with Billy Martin. All of George's share was dtnatad to
various Boys and Girls Clubs.
14. George ^ also the type of nan who Inapiras trust.
George is sincere: B4dpXe fiiri Ifo <]uatnruboot trusting
George. I reaewber when he decided to buy his father's
busin ess. Bec^se of hJe young age and lacdToX: BCTSr^ia^dtt
Clevel^. ^ ha ~iwt~tb~ i^TtetlF^tFto^^viiit
— ciassnatjr^wfaifeaffllr-^^ Sure enoueh.
after George tailed with his friend and told Mw 'tii itrim p i
he camm back with enough a»ney to boy his father 's business.
*13. aw^e of-6eorge-'-s--^l«ay .cbn^ctiic^. jin
- -cSe^d^3^Qggaf:;tyr^sji^3^ifenot5d ^ ^letaila.
George took the conviction hard and did not disptiss it rasch. i
do know, however, that George iuas not had ai^ trouble with any
public or private authority since then.
16. George is a wonderful and generous nan. There is not
another guy like hin in the world. He fully des< rves the
pardon he seeks.
o
o
AFFIDAVIf OF BZSHOF EBWIH B. BRODERICK
1, Bishop E^n B. Brocteriefc, hsrobj stato as follwa:
This Affidavit: is aubaittrad in support of Oaoxgi Stoinbrannar'i
Patition for pardon subwittad to th« Frasidant if tha O^tad
^ Idwin B. Brpdbrick a id I fasida at
Haw fork. Haw Torkloon. - -
2. 1 hava known Oaoxga Stainbromar for o'rar fiftaan
Fears.
3.. I first Mt Oaorga at a Maw York Tanka. i walcona hona
dinner idiara I gave tha invocation. Gaorga essHrup td'BS
aftar|mrds~and~fa>l<Ljsa,how nuch he haH iifc^d ,aii t 1 said. I
-,>^tnld I had bean, a crasy Ya«d»a f an^s^ ipgrowing
^ ya3^Hogi^ymt5irga6rB:^aicdiaai^
social. I spaak to hin fairly oft^; talking to hin on tha
- -PllSil&.oz’ out to dii^r.
opinion of Gaorga. ' Gabrg i~'is' n-standup -
guy. He is ivaak and
also. I find Gaorga coaqilately socially accaptAila.
6. I know that Gaorga is vary eharitabla. Gaorga is
generous to those causes which ha considers wottltwhila. Ha has
been vary ganarous to our church. I can always uot^t on hisi to
buy a ticket or seat for a benefit. Gaorga is a! so very good
at having kids adeittad to ball gaeas and at taking oh projects
to help the disadvantaged.
ABTOAVH OF EM>IE 6. KUBIHSOII
I-, Eddi« 6. Aobinscm, heraby stata as follows:
^rge
the Prasident
Ida afel
fbis affidavit is subaitted in support of (
Steinbrenner's petition for pardon subiaitted to|
of the 1}^tad States.
Me ^ Ed^ Robinson and I fesii
raidiling, Louisiana.
2. My profession is sports. I mm the Athiatic Director
and head football coach of Graa^ling State University and have
bean einee 19-Mo.
3. I have known George since 1976. A snt4il goal
: us togetherj
Since 1969,
' CO ' ra iae''VBh'by**
r— jw^hwfa ile project called Storefoont i cadmy^ tSe '
Storefi^t Acad^y was an halpaA avei^e
delin^ents finish sdiool. -The gene was sn^ipoi ed by the Urban
-Xea»ia-.aiii. ot^rs and each year we mre able to fill Yankee
saa=^^^«egi^aB,.^hej c^^;^ov^ subs tantial irads' fos'tlw ppjScr. -
In 1976, however, wA weird ipjSq^KEaBSsat.
lon^r sponsor the gaae. He did not know idiat to do. Ha very
naich wanted to continue helpis^ the proJect»>'as mil as pro-
vide a unique experience for our students— but the project was
Just too big for Graabling and Morgan to take on alone.
4. Xn desperation, X callpd Howard Cosell lad told him Of
our problasi. Hhen he heard that our goal ms ha Iping AnericM
yotttK, h«. said "Eddie, with George Steinbremier you odglit Just
have your ■aa." Wall, l placed a call to Yankei Stadiusi and
was able to set up an appointnent with George tJ discuss the
^ the start, t was iag>ressed' »i€h the
genuineness of George St einbrenner. lfl^lienEiisiriWtT''I^
"Hice to aeet you, ife. Steinbrenner,'* to idiiidi le instantly
replied "My friends call ate George."
.6. I was post iiqpress^. with George's obvims deep c«i-
nitpent to helping the Aaerican youth. George's coBStPuMit -
'does-ntob-stay.Jmzied^ aood intentions.
•goes~no6-stayJmried, in aood inte ntions. Geoi^e is a bmo of
.actjiyil, a wan vim w an ts jeo. see aecoepiistMMmts. ~T
' fo llowing "y'
RepresTOtatives front 6r»d>liiig State U^verSl^^
l^^Ssity and^tfie‘''y^^^=iai^'l^^ -T fn^tiPtrur
right at the beginnii^ George tumfd to the Urbat league folks
^.said "I aat t^cemed with the awney that wiX. go to the
I want to aMke sure the aibney'
0
iSich appr«el8t«d. But it is h |,3 personal incei esr thac
dcminates Che comitaaenC. Geoi^e goes out and becones per-
sonally involved in helping the kids. He oitei travels aroond
the country in order to talk with the kids, ^d, boy, can he
'talk-. — George, is, _a treniui ttwis speaker and is really' able to-
reach the kids , to nova thee and to inspire 'ttijiHL
9. Geoi^e's coMaitaaent to helping underprivileged
youth— both einority and white— is evident in Jlawst everything
he does-. For exai^l.e^ year George bringJ the Yankees to
Hew Orleans to play an exhibition g«ae. One ol his prleaxy
fcha veuna sce^ra of Louisiana
'■OwT'fecwe-se itt^h^.Wew 'ypy k Yyikees pl*y* year George
■8akes--eure-tha1£-uhderRT|yHeged-.yoi^ ^ m oa'ctier«"ioir'"thg
10. More thfe^^"og^g^^y^iagivSa^ :s:. ~l--know
George a.s a friend, since I first met him in 1>76, I have come
-t.n know -Georg e, and Cq_ ha his friend.
t rae friend. Hhen Z wmi i iy“ 3'GOIK is'Ollfga -
game, George was the f irst“toT call
Graablii^t had **Eddie Eobinson Day", George was. ;here. And when
George brought the Yankees to- Hew Orleans to plw-
an exhibition gwe, he invited am down to spend three di^s with
him. George is soeeone 1 can talk to and confiie in.
U. *I really do not know much about George 's prior -felony
conviction; but, I do know George. I have feat ted with him.
o
to iaxkem see a game and neet Mgi, 6ei xge said he
would be happy to have the faaily as his guest and idien the
faaily cane to the gene, he gave then the red carpet treat-
Bieiit. After aMietii^ the family, however. George was very taken
wien^e-chtldren- a»i.4:heia;_Bl^ He d^ided ^t he a^ted
to do more than just entertain then. So, that very ~
George nade a promise to help out the faailies oE slain
6, - ^orge Steinbrehher jM4e i^ed on his pUMdae^ He not
only founded and set up the Silver Shield Found^ion but also
went out and ^gijaay’iggMKttnMits-i^^ « »•<%
hiiMelOleay^yM^^^t^-ggr^^ ^
i« a pr etty hefty amoun^. With TOdh
strong support, the
college deserving kids who otherwise would not hLe had the
ongoing relationship with Oe^T- -TlZm-i
Fwmdatio n, X have haul m - -
George. 'llfeel
side of George. Sure, I have heard that George is a tough guy
to work with. But there is definitely aTcia^assionate and
caring side to George.
8. I have been a cop jfor a long time. I lave been
trained to "size people up" and, over the years, have had*to do
so on a regular basis as part of mj job. X that X m a
o
o
- 3 -
pretty good judge of character. After 27 years. I know when
stmeone is "full of it" and idien somone is true. With George
I have no doubts. I have a very high regard for Guorge.
George is a straight -shooter. He is honest and candid. His
integrity i.a.unin^sadiable .
9. I really do not have aiqr perSMial fcnmletlge of
George's prior felony conviction. I do, however, ]now that
there is no element of criainality to George's idiaiaeter.
George is genuinely decent person. He ii a true pillar of our
o
o
AFFIDAVIT OF JOHH W. GALBREATH
I, John miMr Galbroath, har^y stata as foUoira: This
affidavit is submitted In support of Georga Steinbrennar ' s
Fatltion for Pardon sutHsittad to tha Prasldant if tba Unltad
JftbD ythaer Galbreath and X rasida at ■■■
mmilllim eauoway, Ohio.
2. My priauury businass is raai astata. X hava bean in
tha real estate Imsiness since tha 1920a.
J. X -also -have, a .gcatt interest, in sports. . I have owned
the Pittsburg Pirates baseball taaa sin^ 1944.
Yorh Timkaes, ta tha aid l970s.
f4y prfawry^retofeRj5aKp~id3;hrgeog|e-haa Jiaeni^^ ^»'' ciq><uii^ dlf
.JiasAba^^ oyier. ’
5. Since I have laimm
way. In all ay associations with George, X have qpvar had
occasion- 4:o- .gueatio n~ hla Ix^agrity..
^^^ai^sfes-^^e^^drge. sever al timsa a year at Ms for l^a^e' "
Baseball owner's neetings and at other1te5iiain^®t^=®^^
7. In all his dealing with ae, and as far is I know with
other te«a owners , Geor^ has .bean i^rlght ***«< s :raigl^-
forward. George is not the type of nan who beat i around thm
bush or niiuses woi^s.. He is honest in stating i^iat ho wants
and how he feels on any particular natter. For Ms, Geo^e
has earned isy respect and, X am confidMAt, the ruspact of the
other 'Owners .
o
8. Recently, G«org* was salaetsd b; tha liaseball taaa
owners bo serre on the Eiqyanslon Coaeittee. Ihl E^ansion
Comaittee has the iaqportant responsibility of dlterwining
whether baseball should expand and the locations of future
basebal-l teaas.. Miners of the Expansion CmMtLftee are
selected on the basis of their knowled^ of and coi^ttBieht to
baseball as well as their awareness of what is in tta best
interest of the present; owners. By their seleeiion, team
owner^ have indicated the cosqplete trust ttat they place in*
these Individuals. There is no doubt that CeoMe is worthy of
is nost j^nportant task.
L interest of nine is tlwi ^utfibred
racii^. • -i kiv4'3ean khe.'W^Emer -^ tDerby. ' “•
. 10. X kwiw that George also has an interesti in tho^^gh*
bred- i»eins and is iawf^i'in'ieverai-venliSa. — -
11. In tlM.roughbred 'racism circle, I have |i
noncofqilisMntary jr«narks idiont George.
baarfiall teaai mmer |
George, .in Movenber of 1974., was*placad~oh"&a~]^
for a period ;of *two' years by the' .Caasdssioner with respect to
the sMndgemrat of the Hew York Yankees. X know that the
Comsiss'ioner's action was in response to dmi^esL to which
Geo^e plead guilty, of illegal corporate ^sqpaign contribu-
tions. The period of suspeiision long sin^ ovei^ Oeorge is
never heard
K an aimre that
o
o
- 3 -
Again v«ry active in rtiiiniiig his baseball club. To the best of
my knowledge George has not had any trouble wit^ any public
authority since that timyt.
13. As long as I have known hia, George hai been a gentle-
^ feel that he desesves thi patdon which
he seeks.
SigiMd under the paiiM and peiuilties of perjuxr,
o
o
HEHOIAMOUM IV SUPPOH OF THE FETITl^OV
OF GEOIOE H. STEimitEMilEK, HI F£» A iAlOOV
OttorgA M. 8t«inbrenii*f, 111, through the tmldersigaed
counsel, submits this memorandum in support of the accompanying
Petition for Fardon After Completion of S«itencJ.
On August 23, 1974, George Steinbrenner, Ct^irman of the
Board and then-Fresident of the American Ship Building Company,
pled guilty in the United States Biatriet Court for the Vortheni
District of Ohio to tlBk felony' of -conspiracy £9 iMlce corporate
caa^aigh contributions in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 610.
tion to m a lw a cent
in coniMction with any election "at idii^
Fresidmtial and Vice Presidmtial ele^ors
or a Senator or lepreswitaive in, or a I
Delegate or Eesident Commissioner to en-
gross are to bo voted for, in or emme^ion
with any primary election or policial I
convention or caucus held to select caiMi-
dates for any of the fore^iiVl office^ or
for fwy candidate, political committee | or
other person to accept of receive any I
contrihutlon prohibited by this section.
1976 Act includes an equivalent provision, codified at
2 U.S.C. S 44lb. I
o
o
Mr. Steinbr«nner also pled guilty to the wlsd^aiior charge of
being an accessory after the fact to riolations of section 610
cnnltted by the company and tifo of its officer! i. On August
30, 1974, Ihr. Steinbrenner was fiiMd a total of $15,000 for the
- -two-off Mis.es.A-, jyo i^ri jion^ or prohation was iaposed.
Eleven years have passed siiu:e Mr s coHvte-
tion. During that tine, Mr. Steiidbreniier has d( pumstrated by
his coi^ct chat he Is fully r^iabilitated and lias atoned for
hi-s wroi^doing. Sihra 1974, Mr-. Stej^nmner his continued his
llfel<»ig practice of derating a najor part of h: s ti we ancT ’
~~"efISr£^roward-ar-vast-eiinant of c^Lvle and idiaritai le services .
*—»Mr>»i*SfPifnhrMtri^]yj^^ jroggcgeggf^B the beginning 1 as* asitiaied'' ^
^~^xisp55iiffimfr:foir:g^vfe^^^ ^law
eaotaes for his camduet, and has ande cli» that' fii~
Mr. Steinbrenner' a nultitudii^us Qin^riliutfons to Ms
- conmnlty ^vemor Bob Graham of the State of Florida
jgrant Mr . Steipbrenner a pardon Storing
Ms state civil rights in
Heither that state pardon nor Mr. Steiid}renner'a| iMlanthropy,
however, have -- or can -- eliminate the adrersJ iavaet. the
felony conviction continues Co have on him and blis family. A
pardon by the Ffesident of the United States wmld eliminate
many barriers to Ms participation in Inisiness, dmiritable a n **
civic affairs and the full exercise of his civil rights, as
wari as tha social stigna of baii^ brandad as a felon. Mr.
Sbeinbrannar .has suffarad long aoough; ha is de erring of such
a raprlava.
Mr. StainbraxuMir previously filad a patitite raquai£~
with tha Pardon Attomay on January 17, 1979. lhat raquast was
d^niad on January 15, 1981, prasunably bacausa the raqulsita
-five* -year- posh? conviction hiiM period siusl pracada tha
filing of a pardon request had just l^araly pass^, perhaps
I
AnotWari333^aarir-hava^j>assjMLj^ ^ the fil ing oi ^ thkt' * '*
petit ion, during i^ch tlaia Ite-. StaiiArannar h^ c»^iriad~his~
CO«^'tliant*±o' ' feKa*
connunity. In order to focus on Mr. Steinbrannar* a continued
good- cdhiKict_ju^ .bac«xsa t^ Pardon Attomey has tha previous
:s=gg«raquast...aiMilabla to Mm. this fUMomndun irtll not rarest 'in ' -
detail tha infoxsiation and argiWnts pri^RSt^pTdn^^^»^^
Steinbrannar* s behalf in 1979. gather, it will prlnarily focus
on his activities since that tine.
III. MR. STEZIiBREHlIER'S CdllTBliHITXOMS TO AU> 1
Mr. Steinbrannar has engaged in as aeti^ d participation -
in philanthropic and diaritable activitias as his felony
- 4 -
conviction pemits. Thaso activitlos Iwve been centered In
Florida, New York and Ohio. His contributions to these coassu-^
nities have largely centered on education, athli tics, youth and
law enforcMMnt. As disjeussed below, hoimver, I is activities
have run tfisTglHir fron-aasistii^-rheJFQI jnj^tional secu-
rity natters to helping a 14-nonth old baby in seed of a liver
transplant .
Mr. Steifdirenner strongly tielieves that hifber education
is essential'Xbk the future~lineeSaw~«»#nBiM^-Miii awtA
^nated aene^a rii-T * ^ ^ H, ' > aieni fleatie
b^ief acto± “Floriaa
=^>scyr,;jjni 7 sprg ^ Uj^egity of Soutl| Florida,
University of Taapa, Iteiveriity of'c4i^'t^*'1^oril^^
College and Purdue University.. He series on thJ Ftnindation
Boards oTE 'FldfTda State UnivexsitiiU^ ^f South Florida
^anl^^ffi^^gS.tgre^ttn ae»?li?te!ife<and .^^A^ ^y th e Board of
Trustees of Saint Leo College, Tcma Ifalverslty ^
State University. He also supports his alM auttbrs, Uilliaau
College in Kassachusetts , Ohio State University |uid Chilver
Hilitary Acadesiy in Indiana, where he serves as k diiMctorv
Mr. Steinbrenner's contributions have not been linited to
Support of educational institutions. He also directly sui^orts
the underprivileged so that they nay obtain higher education:
,» 4
O
Re has personally fuzzed ti» college
education of approxiiiafcely 7S under-
privileged youths .
Starting in 1981, he has sponsored- the
college education of four dhildWn of
a^^w York policeaan killed in the
line of dut^. 1
The saise yi^r~hi~fou^ed-t-he-SuKer
Shield Foundation, which financeil thm
college education of the cMLldren of
slain Hew York police and firenen
through the proceeds of selected pew
York Yankees gaiies and money rai^d
each year from 100 businessnen ill mm
York^ I
-- - .. 5
In 1981, he foui»led a coonte 3 q>an|
organisatiipt in Taapa, Florida, tM
-Gctit^hi^kl-Feundati fin/ which p rovides
collesn sciwlaxships -tn tlia ^Xlareif— —
t^rot^
These coanaitai»its ^ not
P^'|iden^oj^tnjK3Patroina nji S~ Re he ar Associa t ton, noted:
"With such strong support, the [Silver Shield]
year, is able to send to coUjage deserving kids lAo otherwise
would hot have had' thelehancg." t^l«idawit--of _? tiil Carao,
Mr. Steinbr^uier is 'also deeply involve in arts and nusic
education. For exanple, he is the nainstay behi id the Univer-
sity of South Florida Music Festival, bringing ii top-flight
musicians each year idio perform without pay for ;he benefit of
the school’s fine arts programs . Indeed, Mr. St iinbrenner has
brought more funds to the fine arts at secondary and collegiate
institutions than he has to the athletic program t discuss^
below.
0
It goes without ssying that Mr. Stelnbxetufeir, who is
perhaps best known as the general Manager and principal owner
, of t^ M ew Y ork Tankees , hM an ai^d interest i i ^orts . .It is
less well known that is~arstauSaf~8upporter j j wiaty ik athle-
tics , predicated on the belief that athletics h »lp our youth
develop both physically and e«otionally by tead dug then the
vfiUttes of hard work,, loyalty and discipline. I'or exai^le:
** Mr. Steinbrenneri il^ragh iaikees,'
contributed $150,000 to the "Sa^
— _ Anateur Sports fxoggmT in Sew tork.
— * -H e has doAatii^ $5^,000- $7507000' .
'''”'**fa *wV i S^ iji aiona • ‘imleae
cont ributed generously to Boys
He has provided li^ts lor the |
baseball fields at all of Florida* a
swjor universities.
* He serves on the 'Executive -<kMBbi|tee
Olynpic Foundation. "
Mr. Steinbrenner is also a benefactor of the Set York -City
Little League players, the Mew York Police Athletic League, and
Mew York Sandlot Baseball, in addition, 1 m has financed a
niaeber of sports -related activities, such as paqjlng the trans-
portation and lodging costs for Ihiiversity of Si^th Florida's
cheerleaders and student band so that they codld| attend the
Sunbelt Ckmfexence basketball tounuuMtit in AlabUur and
• M the DOJ is aware, in May 1983, Mr. Stall brenner was
credited with assisting the Federal Bureau of Ii vestigation in
two national security natters. SItcs these era sensitive
matters , we riler ymr te the FBI. lor m&h ipian ation. *
Suffice it to say, however, that this type of behind-
the-aceiies cooperatIon*lS~OlMaiacatlve-o*4^ «
'^‘xerce tamm Trihutne Sports
Editor r atiiedl ~-**ieorge^^ooazia^
;^Q:riayA»total_. ^fil^n^ * All anyon e has to do to paow George's
convictions is to haar^iTsp^r
be»itiful and the lai^ of o]^rtunity, dh the affect of dhiigs,
on pov5tty-and*i:he way^to-iielits^^i^t^ it." (kffidayit of
Mr. Steinbrenner has gMuroasly helped pec^Le in need in a
number of other respects as iwll. To quote Bisbq» Broderitdc:
"I know that George is vezy charitable. George ^s generous to
those causes which he considers worthHhile. Re ^ been very
generous to our ^mrch. I can altmqrs count cm h^ to bi^ a.
ticl^t or seat for a benefit. Geoi^e is also very
good at
recognition of his civic and ^laritablo contrlbu
exaiq»le, in 1983, he ims honored as the "Florida Inihistrialist
of the Tear." That saee year, he received e "M; itingoished
Citizen Award" froe the national Football Fotmda rion and Hall
of Faee. Ha has also received an honorarr doctoirate fim
r t
« * *
- 9 -
Gnfinbling State Ihiiversity. 2a addition. Hr. S;
einbrenner was
Chalnuin for the 1985 Coast Guard Foundation Bi mer which broke
all records for noney raised, gave the c<NiMencei lent speedi at
the Air Force Aci^asy's annual Activities Award
Banquest, and
^as~-a-guest.-apealMir to FBI Acadesor gradhiates.
B. Consistoicy mth Hr. Steinb^mer's Pi
e-Cenvietion
I
Mr. St«iabr«miier Mas not delved into civic auod charitable
activities nerely to cooq»ensaie fo? hi'S' felony- < onvictionu To
the contrary, he consistently has be^ involved in such pro-
jects all of his life. One' only has -to- »iad cba:~aff|?^it~-ofw.
-Joher t Bernstein, a lif e long frfdl ia^ o ^< e e»rf . ha|t i J^^ S tein^'4i>i^^
is not a tuatemmr to helpinf~wer€B(tffiil3f~csuses- ^cii^€Bi»acter~ ~—
‘■iaag»i^=a?gea?5r«i>Jr^ tfaimjs that tiiia
‘*‘*‘igi¥<i^^^^ed^e».ttck^ tfainaiS tdiat: tiiia
tfould be very long affidavit if 1 were to relate tfiflii' all.*"
(Affidavit of Albert V. Bernstein, p. 2).
Muiy of Ids civic and' elfiiritable acMvities jg^r to 1979
are '<fetaSleaP*j^tliiriiSfefaaaeafa?B dg^^ >|..tfr...
Steinbrenner's tint pardon petitiim O^n. alb 5- and- will
not be repeated here. Suffice it to say that hi i worin were so
substantial that they resulted in his appointmn ; to the Boud
of Regents of Ohio (Where he previously resided) and the re-
ceipt of such awards as the 1969 Golden Plate Awrd for "extra-
ordinary leadership and service to felloiaun" frm the Anericaa
Acadeny of Achlev«Bent and Cleveli^'s 1972 "M«i of the Tew"
award.
r
i
In sin, Mr. Sl:eiid>xemisr both before sod a;:ter his convic-
tion has been a compassionate end generous coamnity leader --
a fact which he has done little to publicize an is rarely
nentioned in the portrayals of this nan on the sports pages of
' ~Ameri-can-newspap ers .
OFrmSE AMD MR. STEZIBRSmER'S
AUMTSsioii of wroiwdoiih3 L__
nature of the olfmse connitted by Mr. Steinbrenner
Mid his response to his indict^nt are consonittit i rith issuance
— M_aja«ion. Unlike such erlM« as hoaieide, Iscceny or
offenses lhvol^ aeM^Loli^ice~^r~p^{i53^^ of
-■affect^;^ ^rpora te cn»‘iau5^*g8atj^^ inrolve
Moral turpitude and iVnot~otfiif»rae-«iiK^ffiEly t:!»Sng3^it-JiaL
"“"M^^prosasaa^ cf. zs c.f. l. s 1.2
(requiring persons idio ware convicted pf crlaes ir*a*“*seS 5 ^*^
nature** to wait seven years before fillip a petl:ioh for pa»ion
<:ha n the noxisal fZ«^ .years-. . .
jgirseiinhfaiSSery-iiioreBgeg ;-^^ r tspbnsibiil<^
for the contributions doesMd to have been nade b: ^the
Ship Building Coapany. In pleading guilty to th<> chai^h. he
expressed his rouirse for his actions and his dei ire to ocice
again beepne the law-abiding citizen he had provi d' himself to
be in. the past.- . When he was asked by the Court if he had ai^
statement to make prior to the iiqiosition of sentence, Mr! '
Steinbrenner stated:
r
0
H
Tour Honor, £or Cho last yoar I hava leona
through possibly tho nost dl'ffi^lt ppriod
of ay Ufa. It has baan ona of agony and
sttffaring for tha faally and wj childran
and iqr co^any and sysalf , and for aa^ who
ara frlands.
As the Chief Executive Officer thi
— leader__of a «dien good tilings
happen to thb" cbsipii^7''X~reatize--l^ga|~4:h _
cre^t. By the sane tok«ci, tdien aistttlces
are n»ie, I am respoi^ibla for those ads-
takes ai^ mist bear the full responsibi-
lity for then.
X reaUza tha law has been violated, and I
have -dbiia. dt.,. and X .had tha chaiwra to
parfas]^ parfozm dilfi^ntlf aar a laadib -of .
aqr cp^any, and 1 can't argue those facts.
« niri — yloyaas and
their- faadlias idio Hava suffered-, 'ans-|£XriBiy~'
-^T Tfi^nflnr«Ti<« haa...f ailed than, X an sorry for
Basically X have tried to i^ioid'tha- -bi&taf^~
part of ny life in the bast idiys X know
*»*hoife»-^ip;Rln «rtor d o^oo4dUto . an d) X
can't s'ay whdyiarX''iiavi'^®~SttceMir^^^
not, but no natter what the verdict, XltEll
. try to contlxHia td try to preserve the
systen under idiiidi X an goii% to be sen-
- .teh«id and to do everything X pan to
continue to help dthii^~wherever- X -an.. . . .
2 /
Tr'anscript of sentencing -before the Honorable Leroy J-.
Contie, Jr. , Judge, United States District Cemrt for the
northern District of Ohio in Ihiited States v. Stein -
brenner . pp. 22-23 (August 30, If/#).. Mr, Stelnbrenner
has continued to publicly adcnowledge his wrongdoing and
express his regret for ld.s actions. For examle, in
response to a question fr«a a reporter as t'ci how it felt
to be "the only convicted felon anong baseball's- owner?
ship,"' Mr. Steinbmaner responded, "Xt's part of what you
have to bear. Hobody is without a dent in taeir arnor.
It's part of -ny life. X have to live ifith ie...,^" Hash-
iiigton Post, October 23, 1981, at D-1. -
t V. \
r
Th« resulting sentence in>osed by the DisJrtct Ceurt
idences a recognition that Hr. Steinbrenner nas weU on his
wa, toward rehabilitation. 41th<«,gh the Court could have
i-poaed a prisdn sentence of up to three rears L the two
coonta.-tha-.Court,.fagosed on^ a fine. Surely, if Mr.
Steinbrennar h«I been perceived t, 'ha»r^aiil i^Sl
tnrpitude or flouted th. !», m anr w^. a greaier punlshaent
would hsvu b««n iaposed.
tikh thacourt.'a astetninatlon to forego iiposition of a
*“‘^“' “** *”°* — -
cor porate c«qf>aign
ffn fhri If -aueuisi
_ ^ II y**** go rc^cogp l8e thm ^lui
^^^^^■PruperlT pUva in ^c^ladnai Yumi
on niw in response to his
••vere. M„,t inportantl,. Mr. Steinbrenner auffejced the loss
of hia Civil right.. 3/ m addition. Hr. steinbrinhar had
been, in significant noasure, prevmt«l faun condicting his
^ iite^Ef^feliMif*^' * tbe right to
d o
> • 'I
businesses and participating in ciVic and char itable affairs.
In 1974, for exaaple, th^ Ccnndssioner of Baseball Bowie Kuhn
prohibited Hr. Steinbrenner Iron "nanaging or iid^ising in the
aianageneht of the affairs of tlM few York YaidEi es and engaging
in any as8ociat£^~^aEsSfcver-wit^aiiy-liaior L eiyn e or its
personnel" for a period of two years. AttilchMnt 2 hento,
at p. 1. 4/ It scarcely needs argiwent that f« a nan vrfio is
the general partner and principal owner of the fankees and an
amlent adnirer of the S]^ft, thir auspension.fr saj^'lessional
baseball was harsh punislBBent indeed.
There has been sbaEe iiq>rovenent'~ln~lii;r~Ste: aabrenner* a
_ i> 08 itiott since ' !LyV4.“ ' ‘ »«a of Florida’s
1979 pardon restor^ 'h£'s~sfatl i^ojlstttobaada-^^ _
grhiii^^tb^dicnoraeraha ^^ the nassage of | tjne, ^nrever.
Hr. Stginbxennar's 1974 feloi^f conviction contilkos' to .
source -of perstmal fai»iliati(ni and a barrier to phe horaal
pursuit of his coewiinitir' and^ businesa intir ests
The sole exertion to this prohibition was for
"extraordinary or usatsual natters" affecting the Yankees,
and even tfa«n, prior i^xoval of the Craaissioner was
required. See ibid . I
Mr. Steinbrenner also had the support of Governor
Graham’s Cabiimt. Under Florida law, the G^ernor .can
grant a pardon only after receiving the approval of three
nenbers of the Cabinet . Governor Grahaa ^nmted Mr.
Steinbrenner the full pardon (save for the authority, to
possess fireams) which, under the govemihg Sules of
Executive Cl^Msncy, he was pexsdtted to grm^- for a-
federal offense — the restoration of Florii^a civil
ri^ts. See Sules of Executive Cleaehey of jllofida S
S.F(2). Tffis Sules of Executive ClMency of Florida .
authorize the issuance of a "full pardon" only for an
offense under Florida law. See id . at S 5.AL
X .V
O
Q
A stlgm ,ttu ateaeh.. to Mr. ScaijJ>i»ima f aa a raault of
eoitoiction. Ono naod only ^niao tha nawapipor articlaa
concotnln* Mr. Steinbreonor to oonfin thla. TiLaaa articlaa
. doactib^Mn M a 'Wteted fal«.- jr cho "only
eonolct«i folo, aawn, b.a.biira-^BIMy.^.aL_^„
llloatrat«l, Jun, 7. 1982; Tha »aahln«ton Poat, October 23,
1981 ; and y.s. Edition, July 28 , 1975 .
Disabil-xtios haya bean, lii|,osad on Hr. Stain bre^r*s
bo.ln.aa activitioa a, thii piat «ir.‘ for .dx.-
dMiia d bin an nmor'a llcana.
,Cant.rbury Down., Cho^tk^ii^T^aF^^SSS^c^ ,
^acoej^cfcr-bMaoa^^ SSOtSemtfif- ■— m
- ...p-in-ti« 5 tae.cd!o.>^-_i. , ,
to OOMTCOM hi. comriction and b. a good citia«i.“' =— ~=^
Mr. Staiabro^r'a civic and ehwitabl. acMvitioa
'**” t AroafacribdJ Masaaref tmX^ Clfflrtc-
Of th. Florida star. Board.of Eagonta. AlI^JOn^i^T^
«copt thii poaition, aftar di.coa.ion oith treat >d friwvl. «o|
co-«nity la«Ur., h. daclinad tha no.in.tion b«Io.. of th.
Beeana^OUahoiiiahu’' ** thoroog»radMcing^raaa;
that would
advarsh publicity to' the Florida Educational Syptoi
likely ensue were he to accept.
Mr. Steinbremer has gone to extraordinary lengths to
atone for his wxong4o£ng. Nonetheless, he cont:nues to be
~haunted>-by.-his^pas^ As Ton McEwen, noted:
"I also know that George took and stil|taISIs~ -
the ccMmriction very hard.. I can say w4th
authority, fron experience and fron a
personal relationship, that relief of the
pain and suffering of the felony would man
Mpr» to hist than anythii^ else."
(Affidavit of Ton HcEwen, p. 4). I ’ •
As a matter of coadty, the decision by the Governor of
'Fiorida-to. xesCqin Mrs Steinbrennff's civil rights in the State
ag f^4orpjda...euttht, t^b ej^iven great weight in 'detixBSEngrwhetfaer---
to grant this parallel fedetal pardS^r^^&t?^^^^E£i%l9|:^^i^|S^I^
dent's Article II pardon power, the grant of Executive Clemency
by the Governor of Florida is an "act of grace"
-oceedii:^ from
the power entrusted the Governor by tlw Florida Constitution.
Rules of Executive Clemen^ of Florida § X; see F tofida Consti-
tution of 1968, Article IV, § 8(a).' Florida 'Gove rpor Bob.
Graham, based .on his review of the circumstances relevant to
1
o
Q
- U -
lative activities.
Mr. Steinbreimer's conviction- and Ms. rf^biXitl
deternined that Ife. Steinbrenner was deserving L ^ reprieve.'
Tbm act of grace cowsenced by the Coveraor bm ««pleted
^ the President, by t^ ^rapt of a full federal pardon.
VII. COtrcUfsiow
We respectfully request that the Pardon Att .
Attorney ©eneral recosmend to the President tl»t
petition of George if. Steinbrenner #pr a pardon,
of a crininal convictio^
Mr . Steinbf^a^ir~i ff ariFjj; ^ ^ riahti m i
businee. g,
would
^^^^**^^-^g^ £Srj°d .Aontributions to civic
educational affairs^
Bespectfully s
- PIERSOH, BALL
W>
Memoiiaiidiim
ftitjgct
6«oi:^« Nlcliael St«lnbrttiiii«r
F.B.X. Ik>. 383 595 MX
Applicant for pardoo
^ Willioi S. SttsslOM, Oirpctot
— 9nd«ral-JBiiroaa-o£..^In»Mjti3atic9i
April 12, 1988
'David C. SiapMnson
Pardon At tornay
Ha am ocMnsidering a pard<Hi petition filed by hubjeot, wbose
aarlier petition eps denied in 1981. Xfae previous md current
petitions were invWtigat^ by the IMireaa*8 Backgrinind Investigation
unit in 1979 and 1986, rmpectively.
Xn accordance- vritb jseU^estdblisbed promdurew felat ing to_
executive cleMn <7 (see United States Attornys* Manual 1-3.108 —
Office of the Pardon Attorney ) ' I as Ir^nirea to prepare for bhe
consideration of the Associate Attorney General a p|qpo#ed report
•gig B8 adJaattao ^ byiiiart^rthff • PrsstdvnlrTce conm ndi^^
petition be either granted or denied. It is ly respoMibiiity to
report, inclosed for yonr revieir are ccmlm of thelpetitlon and the
The enclosure bo Mr. Ryan*s letter details msmtahce which
subject states that he fnriilihed th* Bureau over an pi-year period
(1978 to 1987). To facilitate our consideration of Jfchis case, we
would ai^eciate your verifying this Inforaation. wli ordinarily do
not -ask the- Bureaa to-pahs. mdaiineHdatiOiML .in p ardwi sattey s.
However, since you are in a unigue position to evaluate tiM algiiifi-
3M»— n il ns the value of the
jeon tents of theBuceau^s re^Ks'l>f^uflh‘T'(r‘and^\rt lT^ 98 any— “
(Views which yon nay wish to e:spi^*s cmcerning the prcH?riety of
according subject favorable pardon consideration as a reward for his
service to the Gommeent also would be welcone.
I would point out that the ground on which a j^rdon is usually
granted is in large a«asare the deiMnstrated good comnet of the
petitioner for a signifiomt period of tiae after oonvicti<m and
coeqpletion of sentence. All relevant factom, including the
0
offense for irhilh pardon is
sought^ the- petitioner's prior and sobseouent ninnai
serviei* oowmnity and the extent of his^Sinmunity
JevtiSfa seritorious activities, are caSSly ^
Of
PLBhSB ateromi xmcmma.
Gtorgt ^cbaitl Sfc«fiid>rfiinai;-
f .1B.Z« Ito. J83 $95 HZ
J^l'icanjb for ■paMtoit
A^ll 42, 1998.
millra 8. Sossions, DlrOotor
FodoraX Bin^an. of Znv«stig«t]j»ii
DavXd C» Stopboni^
Fardon Attorooy
He are cxmsideclng a pardon petition filed aubjecst, idioee
earlier petition waa denied in 198'1., ^e previwis «td C!»reht
petitions were investigated tg- the Boreat'B Baelcgro^niM Investigatio.n
Qhit in 1979 and 1989^ reapec±ivel]f«
Zn aeoordanoe nith iieU«ostat)llslii4 i^OOBdorea relating to
Bzecutive cleaenop (see united stated attyei^s* MMnoal 1~3.14)8
t>£fioa of the Papton. lU:tornex}« 2 ap nf^ired to prl(i^|re for the
consideration of the Xmociate Ahtdmey General a prOi^ed report
to be eiilnri,tted bg Jhiv fo tlM President reooMjendi:^ that snblect's •
petition be either granted -of denied* It is sjr respmisiblil^ to
i^tain the vlaws of omfeen^ officials before sub«lttiog sucdi a
reports BnetMed tor ypar Teriew ere oaoj^^of tbel petition «md the
closing reports of the baolsirottnd ilimiriM* as ‘weli as 'a oofY of -
. . .. - - - -r
.a. letter froe sid>iect*s Qotoiel,. TieOtl^
Deoep^r 14, T9p7.
ihe enelosove bo hyan*s letter deta^e eseidtahoa '
subject states tbat bff ' fnridslifd the ^ean an fl-^ear period
(1979 to 198^).. Ho faoilithte Oinr o^ideration' of I th'id ql^, we
wodld .iq^egiate ypvae veriffing this iafoEpatioil. m ordif^rilp do
hot a#h the Boman to mka recoereai^tlpwi in pardon aattars.
aOwever^ sincSa pm ip a pnigiMi |msiti<m to «ialiial» tlph sifnifl-
oaitce of sidijeot's adsist^ei, as pell as the p^d^iaMve vhloe of the
content^ of the Bdceaii's rests' oft dune 1$ a^' Jtiibf 2^1r any
n|eM which yon itag w^h to exprese'CMloeming' the weopiiefar^C
dcfoprding favorable pardon conelaSeration hi h peiia^''for his '
senrlcie tp the Gd^<1»ent elso. wogld ba waleone.^
X popld point otit that the ground -on lAich a parSon M usually
granted is in^lar^ siBfSure ^e dgaonstrated gpod odndu^ of tlie
petitioner tor a significant parM of tiae «ft(^ cOpviction and
completion of s^^ence. All fe|eviirit factoj^r in<^iid£Ag -the
•»!■» s arslii'u.
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